Copper Mountain Ski Resort Mines Activities Year Round

Located west of Denver in the Arapahoe National Forest, Copper Mountain Ski Resort has its beginnings, like many other areas in the Rocky Mountains, enjoying exceptional growth from mining town to year-round resort. From Wheeler Junction's birth in 1880 to Chuck Lewis' declaration to build a "killer" ski resort at the site of the old copper mine, Copper Mountain Ski Resort transformed the once hunted lands of the Arapaho and Ute Indians into one of the top quality resorts in the west.

Beginning at a base of about 9,500 feet and rising to a summit of over 12,000 feet, Copper Mountain Ski Resort has a total of 125 trails traversing what has grown into a 2,433 popular resort. Four levels of experience can be found on the mountain trails that include a vertical drop of 2,600 feet. Of the trails, 23 are marked for expert skiers only with 26 established for beginners. Those of intermediate skill levels can enjoy 31 trails and advanced skiers can choose any of the 45 trails at Copper Mountain Ski Resort.

This is probably bigger than Lewis had in mind when he purchased the first 280 acres for his Copper Mountain Ski Resort and possibly was not even on the horizon in 188o when Judge John S. Wheeler founded Wheeler Junction as a mining town. Entertainment was limited then saloons and card games as people flocked to the area to take advantage of the potential growth.

Perfect Environment For Ski Resort

As many visitors to the area at the time believed, a surveyor remarked that the natural beauty and north-facing slopes made Copper mountain the perfect location for a ski resort. The maintain the facility during the year, hiking and mountain bike trails provide summer activities. Copper Mountain Ski Resort also offers slopes for tubing during the minter when it receives an average of about 50-inches of snow throughout the season.

Nearby towns also offer excellent entertainment possibilities as well as the restaurant and gathering facilities at Copper Mountain Ski Resort itself. There is something for visitors of al ages as well as for all levels of ski experience. Whether grabbing a hot sandwich on the slopes or taking the Summit Stage to nearby Frisco, dining options vary to meet the needs of all visitors.

More than just a palace of winter sport activities, Copper Mountain Ski Resort also offers a look at some of the wild west history. Many of the old mining buildings are visible as visitors take in the scenery of the older Copper Mountain Ski Resort.